What Is a VPN?

What is a VPN and why do I need one?

First things first...

A VPN, such as CyberGhost, encrypts your online connection and thus greatly increases both your digital privacy as well as your security.

But how does a VPN achieve that?
The word “VPN”, short for “Virtual Private Network”, refers to a network in which individuals do not carry out a data transfer as they usually do, directly through physical structures such as cable or radio, but choose a distinct structure within that network.

But how does a VPN work?

In the case of CyberGhost VPN, a carefully encoded tunnel is built between your device and one of our servers, through a software which cannot be intercepted. Thus, if you activate your CyberGhost VPN app, all your Internet operations, from surfing, to messaging, downloading or streaming, are carried out.

Without VPN

Your devices

Unencrypted data transmissions that everybody can read and access.

The Internet

With CyberGhost VPN

Your devices

A carefully encoded tunnel is built between your device and one of CyberGhost VPN’s servers.

The Internet

Figuratively speaking, through CyberGhost VPN you have an invisible cable that directly connects your computer to our server. You send the data at one end and we receive it at the other end, to encrypt and safeguard it from unwanted prying eyes. What’s more, we don’t keep any logs from our users, so your identity will be a complete mystery to us, too.

So, when the connection between you and us is established, the NAT (NAT = Network Address Translation) functions are activated. Through these, you are assigned with a new IP address which doesn't allow you, the original sender, to be identified. We will then send your Internet requests as usual.

More than a privacy app

But this IP change obtained with the help of CyberGhost VPN has a double effect. While enabling you virtually unidentifiable online, it also allows to surf the web from another location in the world.

So content that was previously censored or restricted will now become available to you. Think of all the sports or series you will now be able to enjoy.

Do I really need a VPN to protect my privacy?

Yes. A firewall or an antivirus software will not protect your online privacy. These apps won’t guarantee your anonymity on the Internet either.

A firewall monitors the network traffic and, if necessary, can protect you against unauthorized accessing, while antiviruses focus exclusively on harmful software.